What you need to know about doing business in Türkiye

News

Türkiye to host climate summit in 2026

In November 2026, Türkiye will host the annual climate summit in Antalya. This is because Australia withdrew as a potential host country.

High inflation

The Turkish economy grew by 3.4% in 2025, according to the Turkish statistical office TÜIK. In October 2025, annual inflation stood at around 32.9%. Inflation in Türkiye is falling. However, compared to other countries, it remains high. Due to the weak Turkish lira, imports into Türkiye are more expensive. Conversely, imports from Türkiye to the Netherlands are cheaper.

A difficult relationship

Türkiye has been an EU candidate country since 1999. Negotiations are not going smoothly. The EU has imposed sanctions on Türkiye. These target certain individuals and businesses involved in hydrocarbon drilling in the sea off Cyprus. According to the EU, this is not permitted.

Trade with Türkiye

The Netherlands mainly imports textile products from Türkiye, such as clothing, yarns and fabrics. Other major imports include fruits and vegetables, road transport vehicles, and electrical appliances.

Türkiye mainly imports metal ores and scrap, organic chemicals, and medicinal and pharmaceutical products from the Netherlands.

Statistics

In Access2Markets, you can find statistics on trade between the Netherlands and Türkiye. This section contains general information on imports and exports. By entering your product’s HS code, you can access specific statistics for your product group. Here’s how to find them:

• Select ‘the Netherlands’ under ‘reporting countries’.
• Then select ‘Türkiye’ under ‘partners’.

Promising sectors

Türkiye has a population of over 87 million and a growing middle class. Many businesses are family-run. As a result, building good relationships is important when doing business. The Turkish economy is driven primarily by industry and a growing services sector.

The key sectors in Türkiye include:

• Machinery
• Textiles and clothing
• Automotive
• Construction
• Electronics

There are additional opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs with expertise in the circular and sustainable economy.

Payments

The official currency in Türkiye is the Turkish lira (TRY). This currency is highly susceptible to exchange rate fluctuations. International payments are often made in euros or US dollars. Make clear arrangements regarding when payment will be made and in which currency.

Paying via a Letter of Credit (L/C) offers both businesses the greatest certainty. However, this involves relatively high costs and a lot of administration. Discuss with your bank which payment method and currency are best suited to your transaction. And find out how Turkish businesses prefer to be paid.

Importing products from Türkiye

Do you want to import products from Türkiye? In that case, you will usually not have to pay import duties. When importing from Türkiye, please note the European and national requirements for the product.

Exporting goods from Türkiye

Export to Türkiye requires an export declaration to customs, invoice, transport document, and packing list. Sometimes you will use additional documents. Usually your Turkish customer will ask for an ATR certificate. 

You charge your Turkish customer 0% VAT. Make sure that your administration proves that the goods are leaving the EU. You do this with a 'Confirmation of Exit'. This is the proof of export from customs. Also keep transport documents and proof of payment.

ATR certificate 

The EU has a customs union with Türkiye. As a result, Turkish importers do not pay import duties on products originating in the EU. These are products made in the EU. Or products from outside the EU that have been imported into the EU. With an A.TR certificate, you demonstrate the EU origin of the goods.

You cannot usually use an A.TR certificate for agricultural and steel products. Only with an EUR.1 certificate or invoice declaration will

Product requirements 

Your products have to meet Turkish product requirements. Access2Markets lists product requirements for various product groups. Be sure to ask your importer or agent about product requirements in advance. You may need to have your product certified or tested so you can prove that it meets all Turkish requirements. 

Transport

Logistics service providers in the Netherlands are well versed in Turkish customs procedures. They process your shipment quickly and can also handle your customs paperwork.

Transport to and from Türkiye is usually by road. Large or heavy shipments are sometimes transported in sea containers. Always make clear arrangements with your Turkish business partner. Agree on Incoterms® and include them in the contract.

Providing services

Are you planning to work temporarily in Türkiye? Check with the Turkish consulate to see if you need a visa. This depends, for example, on the type of work you will be doing and how long you will be staying in Türkiye.

Are you taking tools with you to carry out a job in Türkiye? And will you be taking these items back with you? If so, use an ATA carnet for temporary importation into Türkiye and the EU. This way, you do have to pay import duties, VAT, or a deposit.

Check with the Netherlands Tax Administration (in Dutch) to find out how to handle VAT when providing services.

Finding contacts

Carefully check the reliability of your business partner before doing business. Not everyone speaks English, so take an interpreter with you when visiting clients. And familiarise yourself with the cultural differences. Turkish business culture is hierarchical and formal. Maintaining eye contact, the way someone looks at you, and their gestures are important in Turkish communication.

Contracts

Put the agreements with your Turkish business partner in writing. Have these written contracts checked by a lawyer with knowledge of Turkish law. Türkiye does not automatically enforce a ruling by a Dutch court.